STRENGTHS - Griffin's awareness and quickness off the LOS enables him to gain leverage on a DE / LB in pass/run protection, or a clean break off the line to go into his route. He shows that he can be physical at the POA, although he needs to become more consistently physical as he tends to hesitate at times. He uses his hands instead of his body to make the catch which allows him to snatch the ball out of the air. With his height he is able to go up and grab a poorly thrown ball. He is a solid blocker, keeps his knees bent which enables him to explode into a block. Has excellent awareness as to where he is on the field. His ability to slide his feet well in pass coverage allow him to maintain his blocks, although he needs to improve on his hip turn to recover against the quicker DE.
WEAKNESSES - Has a thin frame and fear that he will be over-matched against some of the bigger and quicker NFL DE & LB's. He shows the strength to move guys off the line in college, but he needs to develop more punch to create more separation in pass pro, and will need to develop better technique as a whole, especially against the run and re-directing his assignment away from the play. He has a tendency to put his head down and lean instead of continually bending his knees. His tendency to hesitate in the open field enables the defender to gain a step on him and get to the ball carrier.
SUMMARY - Griffin has the height to go up and get the ball on poorly thrown passes and is a guy that can be utilized in the red zone. Combine his height and his ability to catch the ball and his quickness off the line; he can be an asset.in play action on short yardage situations. He needs to become stronger if he is going to be able to see the field on more than just passing situations. Although he can move guys off the line, he does not seem able to re-direct them successfully on a consistent basis. He is a very athletic TE and he has very good field awareness and knowing where he is, especially on sideline throws. He is a good blocker, shows solid technique at times, but needs to become more consistent in bending his knees and exploding into the block. Through each game I evaluated, Griffin had more of an effect on the game. Overall, Griffin is not a starting TE at this point but could be a very good backup in the NFL.